In southern Africa, a great deal of work needs to be done to achieve just and democratic societies, where everyone is free to live a safe and dignified life, have a family and make their contribution to society. The agency of LGBTI people throughout the world is constrained not just by social discrimination based on an unfounded apprehension of the ‘other’ and harmful stereotypes, but even more so by systemic and structural inequality and exclusion. LGBTI people are not just the targets of demeaning attitudes, they are also vulnerable to repression and violence.

Southern Africa is at a tipping point of change in the recognition of the fundamental human rights of LGBTI people. Almost half the countries in the region have decriminalized homosexual sex or are in the process of reviewing laws that discriminate against LGBTI people, through voluntary legal reform or challenges in the courts. Sustained progress to tip the balance requires more joined-up, strategically smart, and robust public advocacy capability, and more direct engagement of duty bearers for deep lasting change in public policies and attitudes.

The momentum of LGBTI activism in the region that has yielded significant progress towards equality, freedom and social inclusion in previous years has stalled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. World Pride is an opportunity to amplify the voice and visibility of the work happening in our region towards freedom and equality. It aims to reinvigorate public advocacy for social inclusion by LGBTI human rights activists in the new environment brought on by the pandemic. Copenhagen 2021 World Pride presents a unique, catalytic opportunity to contribute to advancing several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those on safe, inclusive and resilient communities, achieving gender equality, social and political inclusion to reduce inequality, access to justice, non-discriminatory laws and inclusive institutions.

The Other Foundation will be participating in these events and activities:

WORKPLACE INCLUSION DAY
18 August 2021

Click here to watch the Foundation’s presentation at this event.

LITIGATION AND POLICY REFORM ADVOCACY IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19
20 August 2021

Click here to watch this webinar.

 LITIGATION AND POLICY ADVOCACY REFORM IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19

This documentary will be available soon.